While walking through the narrow streets of Nakameguro, a few things did catch my eye worthy of posting.

A dual-car garage containing a Mercedez-Benz G-Class SUV and E-Class Sedan

An izakaya storefront containing multiple bottles of sake situated on a ledge

An empty can of Super Sounama beer left behind on a street bench

The photo walk started in Shin-egota and ended at Nakano station, primarily via Egota Dori and Nakano Dori.  Along the way, I ran across many interesting things and places, including Tetsugakudo Park, a park dedicated to philosophy.  After arriving at Nakano station, I took the bus to Kichijoji where additional photo opportunities presented itself in the form of a music festival featuring Japanese bands of all types.

Flowers in full bloom during Spring time in Japan.

Japan is modern in many ways, just not with its bus stops.

A statue of Mahatma Ghandi in the Garden of Philosophy at Tetsugakudo Park.

Araiyakushi Park

Araiyakushi Temple

Nakano Sun Plaza

Kichijoji Music Festival

Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is an intriguing recreation of 1960′s Tokyo and is located on the 4th floor of the Decks shopping mall.  The entire floor is filled with shops and decorations featuring toys, food, memorabilia, and other products from the 60′s.  The decor and feel of Daiba-Itchome Shotengai is quite nostalgic and impressive.  I definitely got the sense that I was in a different era.

To keep consistent with Daiba-Itchome Shotengai’s throwback theme, I processed the photos accordingly to give them that vintage look they deserve.

Plan B called for a walk through Shinjuku to Tochomae, making stops at Shinjuku Chuo Park, Kumano Shrine, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Although I have been to Inokashira Park several times before, I never happened to have my camera on me.  During my last visit, I decided to bring my camera to capture some koyo (Autumn colors) images before the Winter season kicked in.

Beware of who you ride these paddle boats with.  It is said to be a way for lovers to tell one another they want to break up!

A quick stop at Starbucks at the entrance of the park is highly recommended before your stroll through the park!

Odaiba is most commonly accessed by taking the Yurikamome transit system.  However, on this day, I opted to take the more scenic route by walking across the north side of the Rainbow Bridge from Tamachi to Odaiba.  The north side provides a view of the Tokyo Harbor and skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Tower.  The south side gives a view of many shipping yards and Mount Fuji on a clear day.  I ended up on the north side of the bridge and managed to capture some interesting shots of Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and several other locations in Odaiba.

As a result of an architectural print assignment, my photo of the gazebo at the university’s Rose Garden was selected to be published in the upcoming university catalog (1999-2001, pg. 68).  Here’s a scan from an actual print…

Now fast-forward to nearly 12 years later where I recently had the opportunity to go back to my old university for a casual photo walk.  A lot has changed since I graduated in 2003.  Among the changes that I saw included a new parking garage, several new buildings, and a Japanese Garden complete with Koi pond, bridges, and bamboo.  Although I didn’t take nearly as many photos as I would on a normal photo walk, I did manage to visit the Rose Garden to photograph the gazebo in an attempt to replicate the same photo I took 12 years earlier.  Again, a lot has changed, including the gazebo and Rose Garden itself.  Light rods have been installed and of courses no roses during this time of year. 

And here’s a more contemporary version…